Military Chaplains May Be Forced to Perform Same-Sex Marriages

The President signed into law on Wednesday, additional provisions as part of the National Defense Authorization Act that offer religious protections to military chaplains not forcing them to perform same-sex marriages or face punishment. Mr. Obama has suggested not enforcing the particular provisions allowing chaplains to decline.

“Section 533 is an unnecessary and ill-advised provision, as the military already appropriately protects the freedom of conscience of chaplains and service members,” the president said. “The secretary of defense will ensure that the implementing regulations do not permit or condone discriminatory actions that compromise good order and discipline or otherwise violate military codes of conduct.

“My administration remains fully committed to continuing the successful implementation of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and to protecting the rights of gay and lesbian service members; Section 533 will not alter that.”

Based on President Obama’s statement, members of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty (CALL) still fear the government will force chaplains to take part in ceremonies that violate their beliefs.

“Chaplains should be able to stand by their faith traditions and honor their commitment to God’s Word,” said Chaplain Ron Crews, a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and CALL’s executive director. “That’s a freedom that Congress sought to protect, and the president is not at liberty to disregard the law.”

Several military chaplains already have received requests to perform same-sex “marriage” ceremonies. Section 533 simply protects them from discrimination for holding biblical views on sexuality, Crews said. Military chaplains should be allowed to serve without violating their beliefs, he added.

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